Publix spokesperson Shannon Patten said there is no news to report yet on plans for the plaza.

“We are still evaluating plans and exploring our options for the plaza,” Patten said.
In the meantime, Publix has begun advertising spaces for lease in the existing plaza.

+ Commission addresses projects

The Longboat Key Town Commission will discuss the 2009-10 fiscal-year budget and two water-and-wastewater projects at two consecutive meetings starting at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at Town Hall, 501 Bay Isles Road.

After a budget discussion, the commission will consider approving a $2.1 million contractor bid that will pay for a project to upgrade town water lines along Gulf of Mexico Drive from Bay Isles Road to the south end of the Key starting in October.

The town will use part of its $7 million state revolving-fund loan, also known as an SRF loan, to fund the project. The SRF loan has a 2.82% interest rate.

Public Works Director Juan Florensa said the bid is lower than the anticipated $4 million that staff originally expected the project would cost.